'Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes' finds the funny in Hollywood stereotyping

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The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at Loyola University New Orleans and director Laura Hope kick off the 2009-10 theatrical season with Yussef El Guindi’s award-winning comedy, “Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes.” “Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes” skewers business as usual in Hollywood, and asks how much it costs for one actor to betray his values and sell his soul for fame and fortune in Tinseltown.

Ashraf is an Arab-American actor who just received rave reviews for his performance as Hamlet at an L.A. theatre, but his dismal acting income means that he has trouble paying the bills. He needs his big break, a starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster. Enter his high-powered Hollywood agent who tempts him with a lead role in a feature film paying big money, playing opposite his favorite sexy female starlet, and directed by his favorite director of all time. There's just one problem, he will have to play the most stereotypically evil, fanatical Islamic terrorist ever to grace the screen, something he’s vowed to never do.

Jihad Jones follows Ashraf as he negotiates a Faustian deal for his soul. Will he sell out his values and morals for the siren’s call of Hollywood fortune and fame?

“Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes” runs October 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, at 8 p.m. and October 11 at 2 p.m., in Loyola’s Lower Depths Theatre, located in the Communications/Music Complex, on the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Calhoun Street.

Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 students, seniors and Loyola faculty and staff.